Most games a year and a half old are long forgotten about. Well, Criterion Games are refusing to let that happen to their flagship title “Burnout Paradise.” It first started with free updates being released throughout the year of the game’s release. Adding significant gameplay enhancements including new events, day/night cycle and even bikes for the first time ever in the Burnout series.
Then starting in February 2009, Criterion started it’s “premium DLC” support for the game, releasing the “party pack.” An offline “pass the controller” mini-game collection for roughly $10.00. In the months following, more premium DLC was released adding new cars with game changing characteristics and new online modes.
But, the premium DLC was met with criticism because of the prices. New car add-ons ranged from $7.99 to $12.99 and new game modes were $9.99. So when the Big Surf Island was announced many were bracing themselves for a huge blow to their bank account balance. But, after playing the Big Surf Island DLC I’m pleased to say its worth every penny of the roughly $12.99.
Big Surf is the first DLC to add a new location to Paradise City and it’s completely different from what was available to the player before. After the download you’re immediately greeted with a half finished bridge leading to your new stomping grounds. Your also in a brand new car named the “Dust Storm Buggy” which is a total joy to drive because of it’s insane handling. The main difference of the island is the amount of places to do tricks. Huge jumps let you get more airtime than ever was possible before. As listed on Criterion’s site, here’s what is offered in the add-on:
- The Dust Storm Buggy available to drive straight away
- 8 Incredible New Cars to Win
- 15 Events (Including all New Island Tours)
- 10 Freeburn Challenges
- 12 New Roads to Rule
- 75 Island Smashes
- 45 Island Billboards
- 15 Island Mega Jumps
Completing all that is offered in Big Surf took me about 7 hours, including “ruling” all the new roads. I’ve recently finished full retail priced games that came way under the 7 hour mark. I would recommend starting off with the island tour event types because they will show you many highlights of the island. There are only 10 online Freeburn challenges, but they’re highly inventive. I found myself doing them twice. Trying to figure how to get an out of each billboard is just as satisfying as before. Smashing those billboards will unlock one of the highest points in Big Surf–the brand new cars. Without ruining the surprises, lets just say that these cars alone could have been sold at $9.99 when compared to previous DLC prices.
The total playtime and cars are what left me with the impression of value. Never did I think I had paid too much, which was my main worry going into the add-on. If you’re going to buy only one DLC pack for Burnout Paradise, this is the obvious choice. My only small criticism is that the ninth car unlock requires you to complete all 500 online Freeburn challenges, a task that is nearly impossible to complete. The retail game is now less than $20.00 add $12.99 for Big Surf you’re looking at the greatest value of this console generation thus far. Buy it Now!
Available now on PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Marketplace
5 hovering “Jansen P12 88 Specials” out of 5
MG_Dan PC, PS3, Review, Xbox 360, gaming big surf island, burnout, DLC
